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In this episode, Dr. Cliff Kapono shares his dual passion for surfing and science. He dives into his current project at MegaLab - a non-profit ocean research facility in Hilo, Hawaii - which implements modern technology to map out our world's reef systems. The project's goal is to have over 1 million reefs documented by 2030 and train an army of citizen scientists to help. As Cliff says in this discussion on reef mapping, "We have more information and technology working on the mapping of the surface of Mars than we do on our own ocean floors." We also get into the current reef discussion around Teahupo'o lagoon with the building of the Olympic Judging Tower against the wishes of the local Tahitian people. Cliff's perspective is relevant, educated and looks at the current set up through the eyes of indiginous people everywhere who see development push into the realm of sacred territory where monetary gains are put in fornt of community's wishes.
Take a walk with us through this fascinating discussion of the thriving universe that exists within a single square foot of coral, MegaLab's commitment to preserving these dynamic ecosystems and Cliff Kapono's journey from a young Hawaiian surfer to a professor of marine science with a research facility dedicated to protecting the waves he loves.
To view livestream video of some of the world's most iconic reefs and to learn more about Cliff Kapono's work, check out: https://themegalab.org
